Angels gain after they scramble

The Angels' Mike Trout hits a double in the seventh inning to drive in J.B. Shuck at Comerica Park on Wednesday in Detroit. Duane Burleson, Getty Images

DETROIT – When you have to change starting pitchers during the national anthem, it's usually not a good thing. When you do it against one of the best offensive teams in the majors, it's even worse.

Yet it was against that backdrop that the Angels pulled out arguably their most improbable victory of the season, beating the Detroit Tigers, 7-4, on Wednesday night after starter Tommy Hanson had to be scratched when he felt some tightness while warming up in the bullpen. Hanson will be re-evaluated today, but a trip to the disabled list seems likely.

"That was a huge win for the team," said Billy Buckner, who threw three innings after getting word during the anthem he was starting.

The Angels needed all five of their available relievers – Garrett Richards was unavailable after throwing 47 pitches – to maneuver the 27 outs. The offense produced seven more runs, after scoring 23 in the previous two games. The big blows were two-run homers by Mike Trout and Erick Aybar, whose sixth-inning shot put the Angels up, 4-3.

The good feelings of the win, though, have to be tempered by questions about what to do with the rotation.

If Hanson goes on the disabled list, he would be eligible to return by July 6, the next time the Angels need his spot filled. If he's not ready by then, they'd need to turn to another starter, which could be Buckner, Richards or someone from the minors.

In the meantime, the Angels will call up a pitcher for today's game because they need a fresh arm for the bullpen.

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